subject: How To Shop For The Best Acne Treatments [print this page] The worst time for acne in most people"s lives is adolescence. On the other hand, it doesn"t necessarily end with adulthood, and acne treatments for teens may not be the best choices for grownups.
Zits, blackheads, and whiteheads can appear on the neck, chest, back, and upper arms as well as the face at any time. Whether or not other people take notice, most of us find them embarrassing and even humiliating. When acne strikes, social and business events become problematic for most people.
Most of the truly effective acne medications tend to contain benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid as active ingredients. Some also include sulfur. Many of the top brands also include natural additives such as licorice, honey, tea tree oil, aloe vera, green team jojoba, betula alba leaf extract, olive leaf extract, or lemon peel oil.
Some Americans swear by Chinese herbs to treat their acne, such as dong quai, which is not locally applied but comes in capsule or pill form. An herb called Guggul features in the Indian traditional practice of Ayurvedic medicine. Though primarily known for treatment of cholesterol and arthritis, Guggul may also assist in treating acne.
Acne treatments are often sold in packages with facial wash, moisturizing cream, and other products. Be aware that moisturizers, various cosmetics, and sunscreen may contain potentially pore-clogging oils, and thereby foster acne. Some of the ingredients to look out for on product labels are decyl oleate, isopropyl isostearate, isocetyl stearate, isopropyl palmitate, butyl stearate, myristle myristate, cocoa butter, isostearyl neopentanoate, D & C red dyes, isopropyl myristate, and acetylated lanolin.
There are several things to remember when battling an acne condition. The first is to be patient: even the top acne treatments can require a month to be fully effective. Plan on a minimum of two weeks and a maximum of six or more. You want to target the infection, but not with a product that is hard on your skin. Irritation from overmedicating or washing too vigorously or too often can worsen the condition. Be sure to wash with warm water, use a mild cleanser, and apply everything with a cloth that is soft.
One unfortunate result of impatience is that acne sufferers may try an array of different cures at the same time or in very short order. This can cause further irritation and even trauma, causing acne to enlarge, pigment, and lead to permanent scars and spots after healing. Don"t ever pop or pick at pimples and zits, because that can drive the infected material deeper into your skin.
Eating well is one of the best defenses against acne. If your diet may not be balanced and healthy, vitamin and mineral supplements may be a good move. Vitamins A, B5, B3, and B2, as well as omega 3 fatty acids and zinc have been identified as potential obstacles to acne.
